GLAD TIDINGS
Everything that happened prior, during and after Calvary had one purpose – to give mankind HOPE and LIFE again.
Calvary happened so that our sojourn on earth can be meaningful, and to ensure that we will forever reign with Him. God, by giving His only begotten son, displayed how important it was for him to redeem us. He redeemed us so that we can reign with Him forever in heaven and so that, while on earth, we do not live hopelessly, oppressed, forsaken and downhearted.
Many are yet to live in this reality. The life they live is diametrically opposed to what God desired for mankind. The good news has not taken root in their hearts either because they have not heard it or they heard it but did not believe it.
As God’s handmaidens, who have believed in the finished work of Christ and who live in its reality, we have been called to the ministry of reconciliation by default, according to 2Cor 5:1. When Christ was on earth, he commissioned his disciples to preach the gospel. On the day of Pentecost when the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, the disciples were instructed to live as witnesses of Christ everywhere. Therefore, true followers of Christ followers are required to preach the message of salvation to everyone.
Romans 10:15 “And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]?”
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Glad tidings simply means good news. News of a man who, having heard about the gospel, finds hope and assurance is a glad tiding. Hearing about a formerly chaotic marriage which is now peaceful because the Prince of Peace has been invited into their marriage is a glad tiding. Knowing that any difficult situation- financial, business, career, emotional disability, family issues, raising children – can be turned around once we believe in Christ is a glad tiding. Ultimately, being able to look forward with great joy to eternal rest and dominion with God is a glad tiding.
Dear God’s Handmaiden, let this be a reminder that you have been commissioned to take the good news to mankind. I pray that you are passionate enough to let everyone everywhere know about Christ’s sacrifice for them and how those who seek Christ may find Him.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, now and always. Amen.
Writer: Adenike Leke-Akinbode.